Stories inspired by the 562-metre particle accelerator can be up to 3000 words, or for those who like to keep their ponderings pithy, there is a flash fiction category for pieces shorter than 300 words.

Submissions must be made through the competition website by 30 November. Entries will be whittled down to a shortlist by the facility, and the top three tales – as judged by an expert panel including writer Jenny Rohn – will be awarded cash prizes.